Two Capitol Police officers are injured and a driver has been shot after a person rammed their vehicle into a barricade outside of the U.S. Capitol on Friday afternoon (April 2). Associated Press reports that at least one of the officers is in serious condition while the driver is in critical condition.
via: New York Post
A motorist mowed down two cops outside the US Capitol and was shot dead by police after smashing into a barrier and emerging with a knife on Friday afternoon, according to officials and reports.
All three were taken to the hospital — with the suspect in custody — as the building was placed on lockdown following the chaos that erupted around 1 p.m.
Large police presence and two stretchers being brought out pic.twitter.com/EmidoLP0PT
— Jacqui Heinrich (@JacquiHeinrich) April 2, 2021
— Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) April 2, 2021
Chopper overhead, closer image of the car pic.twitter.com/jm0br9NIm7
— Jacqui Heinrich (@JacquiHeinrich) April 2, 2021
National Guard now deployed around the US Capitol after car rams barrier at least one person shot, two officers injured. @nbcwashington pic.twitter.com/DxYqkEuq7m
— Mark Segraves (@SegravesNBC4) April 2, 2021
The suspect later died, according to ABC News.
The incident took place at a vehicle checkpoint on the north side of the Capitol along Constitution Avenue in Washington DC, police said.
Sources told NBC News that the driver got out of the car with a knife after hitting the officers, then was shot.
Cellphone video clips showed a helicopter landing near the Capitol before taking off a short time later.
CRITICAL INCIDENT: USCP is responding to the North Barricade vehicle access point along Independence Avenue for reports someone rammed a vehicle into two USCP officers. A suspect is in custody. Both officers are injured. All three have been transported to the hospital. pic.twitter.com/4TXIdulJc6
— The U.S. Capitol Police (@CapitolPolice) April 2, 2021
A photo also shows a dark sedan with its front end crumpled against a white metal, pop-up barricade with the words “STOP” in red.
The driver’s door and trunk were also open as authorities gathered around a band of yellow caution tape.
There were unconfirmed initial reports of a shooting.
The incident took place amid heavy security put in place following the deadly Capitol riot on Jan. 6.
This story is being updated.
